South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Winter 2019 tour schedule

To check the availability of the tours listed below and reserve a spot, please contact the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center office by email at WhamP@dnr.sc.gov, or by phone at
843-546-6814 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Reservations are required for all tours and there is no charge involved.

Weekly Educational Field Trips typically run in all weather conditions, but other events may be weather dependent.

Educational Field Trips

Experience a bus-guided tour with SCDNR staff around the 24,000-acre Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. Participants are introduced to the history of the islands, view various wildlife habitats and historic sites and hear about the legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey. The activity level of this trip is easy, but participants do have to maneuver two floating docks as they board a pontoon boat for a short ride across the Intracoastal Waterway. Participants should bring a bagged lunch and drink.

Dates

Most Wednesdays and Thursdays from January to May

Time

Tour starts at 10 a.m., arrive by 9:45 a.m.

Length

Approximately 4 hours

Number of Participates

Limited to 14 people

Birding

View birds in various habitats on Cat and South Islands. The locations will be determined based on what birds are in residence but will primarily include brackish marshes, managed wetlands and longleaf pine stands. The activity level of this trip is strenuous with several miles of walking involved. Participants should bring a bag lunch and drink.

Dates

January 8, 2019
February 5, 2019

Time

10:00 am

Length

Approximately 4 hours

Number of Participates

Limited to 14 people

A Walk Through History

Experience this "off-the-bus" opportunity to take a closer look at some of the historic sites of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. Sites visited include a former sawmill along Winyah Bay and Civil War fortifications. The activity level of this trip is strenuous with several miles of walking involved. Participants should bring a bagged lunch and drink. Limited to 14 people.

Dates

January 15, 2019
February 23, 2019

Time

Event starts at 10:00 am but please arrive at 9:45 am

Length

Approximately 4 hours

Number of Participates

Limited to 14 people

Photo Safari

Come and experience a day of wildlife photography as we take a stroll around the managed wetlands, longleaf pine forests, and the shores of Winyah Bay. The activity level of this trip is moderate with several miles of walking involved. Participants should bring a bag lunch and drink.

Date

January 11, 2019

Time

10:00 am

Length

Approximately 4 hours

Number of Participates

Limited to 14 people

Painting the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center

This unique opportunity allows artists to experience En plein air painting opportunities around the property. Visit the exact location where legendary American artist Andrew Wyeth painted on the Cat Island portion of property in the 1930s. Artists need to provide their own supplies and equipment for the event. Travel to sites will be via a small tour bus so please pack lightly! Participants should bring a bag lunch and drink.

Dates

February 26, 2019

Times

10:00 am

Length

Approximately 5 hours

Number of Participates

Limited to 14 people

Directions to Property

From Georgetown:

Travel south on US Hwy 17 over the Sampit River via the Sylvan Rosen Bridge. After crossing the bridge, proceed about 1/4 mile and turn left onto South Island Road (This turn is similar to a fork in the road & you will be turning just before you reach the gas station). Travel South Island Road for about 8 miles. The road will dead end at the South Island boat landing.

From Charleston:

Travel north on US Hwy 17 until you cross the North Santee River. Shortly after crossing the river, turn right on North Santee River Road. Proceed on North Santee River Road until it dead ends at Estherville Road. The only option will be to turn left on Estherville Road. Travel Estherville Road until you reach a stop sign. Turn right at the stop sign onto South Island Road. Proceed until the road dead ends at the South Island boat landing.